A sergeant with the Linden Police Department has admitted to distributing marijuana in a neighboring county, acting Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park announced Wednesday.
William F. Turbett III, 30, pleaded guilty Wednesday morning to a single count of fourth-degree distribution of marijuana.
Members of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office’s Guns, Gangs, Drugs, and Violent Crimes Task Force and the Sayreville Police Department Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant at Turbett’s home on Merritt Avenue in Sayreville (Middlesex County) earlier this month, during which a small amount of marijuana was seized. He was charged via summons and released on his own recognizance.
Turbett had been suspended from duty without pay for an unrelated matter prior to when the charges were filed. The Linden Police Department cooperated with the Prosecutor’s Office during the course of its investigation.
As part of his plea, Turbett forfeited his position and the right to ever again seek public employment in New Jersey.
Sentencing in the case is scheduled for July 22 before state Superior Court Judge Frederic McDaniel. Convictions on fourth-degree crimes are also commonly punishable by terms ranging from probation up to 18 months in state prison.
Photo: Facebook